The centre-back situation is one worth keeping an eye on at Celtic right now. Auston Trusty has not exactly established himself as a starter since his summer move from Sheffield United. On the other hand, there has been some speculation about a Cameron Carter-Vickers exit as well, with the American having spent four seasons with the Hoops.
Even if Carter-Vickers ends up staying, there are plenty of other centre-backs who could leave the club this summer. Gustaf Lagerbielke and Stephen Welsh are out on loan already and could seek permanent moves. On the other hand, it might be time for Maik Nawrocki to change clubs as well, having not gotten enough opportunities since arriving at Parkhead.
So, it is possible that Celtic find themselves in need of strengthening at centre-back. And a very interesting option has cropped up recently in this regard.
Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that a £6 million release clause had become active in Jan Bednarek's contract due to Southampton's impending relegation. And it looks like a lot of Celtic fans are open to the idea of the club signing the Polish defender.
Celtic fans want club to sign centre-back with £6m release clause
We recently ran a poll about whether Celtic should sign Bednarek this summer. The majority were in favour of the move.
Would you want Celtic to sign Jan Bednarek this summer?
— The Celtic Bhoys (@CelticBhoysFS) May 2, 2025
CB, 29 year old, 182 Premier League apps, 67 caps for Poland, £6m release clause.
Of course, it is easy to see what Bednarek would bring to the table for Celtic. At 29 years of age, he is in his prime as a footballer and is coming off playing consistent football at the Premier League level, against the top players in the world.
He has made 182 appearances in the Premier League and has 67 international caps for the Poland national team to go with it. So, the £6 million release clause might very well be a campaign for a player like him.
Also, looking deeper into the data from Fbref, Bednarek is in the 98th percentile when it comes to interceptions and 92nd percentile in clearances compared to other centre-backs over the past year. He is also in the 92nd percentile when it comes to his pass completion rate, 85th percentile in blocks and 76th percentile aerials won.